GOING TO COURT

Most people don't know what to expect when they go to court for the first time. Below we've provided general information to help you better understand what to expect. If you have additional questions, please contact your Victim/Witness Liaison prior to your court date.

DO I NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY?

No. The State of Tennessee provides lawyers responsible for prosecuting those who commit crimes. You do not need to hire a private attorney for the criminal proceedings. If you are a victim of a violent crime, a Victim Witness Liaison will contact you before your court date to provide support through this system.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Court rooms are dignified places and a dress code is enforced. If you are inappropriately dressed, you will not be allowed in the courtroom. No shorts or micro-mini skirts. No halter tops or bare midriffs. No tank tops or muscle shirts. Don't wear clothing that is see-through or anything with obscene messages or pictures. Your clothes and appearance must not disrupt the judicial process. Hats and non-prescription dark glasses may not be worn in the courtroom unless for medical or religious reasons.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Do bring any paperwork that supports your case. Items such as receipts, letters, phone records, and photos should be organized. The prosecutor and Victim/Witness Liaison handling your case will want to review what you bring and these items may be presented to the judge.

Do not bring small children. The presence of small children in the courtroom is strongly discouraged. If you must bring a child to court, it is best for the child to stay outside the courtroom with a responsible adult. If you have a child care issue, please contact your Victim/Witness Liaison.

Do not bring food, drinks or cigarettes. All are prohibited from the courtroom.

You may bring your cell phone but all electronic devices must be turned off inside the courtroom. Any device that makes noise during a court session is subject to confiscation. The judge may choose not to return your device or to charge you a fine for disrupting the criminal proceedings.

WHERE DO I GO FOR COURT?

The City-County Courts Building is located at 600 Market Street. For directions, go here.

Give yourself plenty of time to park and find the courtroom.

Also allow yourself time to clear building security. There is a metal detector at the entrance of the Courts Building. All bags are subject to search. Any object that could be classified as a weapon will be held by Security until you leave the building. Illegal weapons will be confiscated and not returned.

Make sure you know the courtroom in which you are scheduled to appear. Your Victim/Witness Liaison will give you this information. Once you arrive, one of the court officers can help you find the correct courtroom. Be sure to let your Victim/Witness Liaison know you have arrived.

If you have received a State subpoena, do not miss a court date without being excused by the Court or someone from the District Attorney's Office. Failing to appear may result in the Court issuing a capias (or warrant) for your arrest.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN COURT?

The courtroom is a very traditional, dignified place and proper conduct is important. Be respectful and polite to everyone you encounter in the courthouse.

When a court session begins, you should stand and remain standing until a court officer formally opens court.

While waiting for your case to be called, sit quietly. Do not talk or make any other distracting noises.

When your case is called, you should be silent unless the Court or an attorney directs you to speak. When you are called to speak, you should stand (unless a disability prevents you from standing) and you should address the judge as "Your Honor." Do not use profanity and do not argue with the Judge, the attorneys, the defendant or other witnesses.

If at any time during the process you feel threatened in any way, please tell your Victim/Witness Liaison as soon as possible.​

IF A DEFENDANT IS CONVICTED, HOW MUCH TIME WILL (S)HE SERVE?

Not all defendants receive prison time. Offenders can also be sentenced to probation or ordered to pay a fine. Many times, they will receive a sentence that involves all of the above: They serve time behind bars, must then report to a probation officer after release, and are ordered to pay money to the government (fines) and to their victims (restitution).

Criminal offenses are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are typically punishable by less than a year in a county jail.

The Tennessee Criminal Sentencing Reform Act of 1989 provides guidelines for judges to use in determining sentencing. The Act divides felonies into five separate classes, A thru E, with Class A felonies being the most serious. The Sentencing Reform Act also assigns offenders to one of five levels based on criminal history, ranging from a first time offender to a career felon. The Sentencing Reform Act assigns a span of years for each class of crime committed by each range of offender and also provides deviations for enhancing and mitigating factors.